Header/Navigation Bar

Monday, August 8, 2011

American heroes

Thirty-one American lives lost in Afghanistan. I try not to question the why of it all, because to do so would take away from their purposes and their legacies. They were killed because they were fighting to protect our great nation. They died with honor, they are remembered as heroes. Them, and every other single American who has ever made the ultimate sacrifice to defend our freedoms.

Upon hearing this news, I was just so sad. Particularly considering my husband's dangerous career choice. I thought about the poor wives, receiving that dreaded phone call or seeing those mournful men park their vehicle and slowly walk to the door to deliver heart breaking news. I thought about how I would ever survive a loss like that. I'm not sure that I could, or that I would even want to. That man is everything to me: he is my best friend, confidant, partner in life. He is the one I laugh with, live with, cry with, share my heart with. He is the one that makes my life brighter, bearable, worthwhile. How could I possibly live without him?

We haven't tackled a deployment yet, my husband is still in training. But I know that we will have to, sooner rather than later. Even thinking about it makes me sick to my stomach and brings tears to my eyes and a knot to my throat. I'm not sure how I will make it. But I know that somehow I will. I have to. Because going through these hard times with him is so much better than not having him at all.

So as we go on with our lives, let's remember these heroes who have sacrificed so much for us. Embrace the freedoms and lifestyles that they have enabled us to enjoy. Reach out to their families. Do not let their memories die. Honor them always, for they are the reasons we are all here, safe and free. Live a life with meaning, in honor of these brave men and women who have died for us.